Born and raised in Pittsfield, Mass., Western Mass Sports Journal Editor in Chief Kyle Belanger began working in the media following a four-year career as a high school English teacher. He made the move to the Sports Journal following a five-year stint at The Recorder, a daily newspaper serving Franklin County. Belanger is a 1999 graduate of Syracuse University,... Full story »

"If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." As such, the Western Mass. Sports Journal family's sole duty is to continuously shine a spotlight on the numerous positive happenings in our region. To celebrate the people of Western Mass. Too often, the modern media chooses to focus on stories that sensationalize and glorify that which... Full story »

Advertising in the Western Mass Sports Journal gives your company access to 40,000 readers each month, including a core demographic of families who have a professed interest in athletics/fitness/health and wellness. In addition, the Western Mass Sports Journal is mailed directly to thousands of heath care providers each month, maximizing your advertising dollar. Don't miss out on an affordable and... Full story »

In this month's issue: Derek Kellogg's UMass Master Plan; Chicopee Golfer Shoots For LPGA; Agawam Girls' Lacrosse Takes The Next Step; Central Sprinter Is Off And Running; UConn Baseball Leans On Local; ... And So Much More Where can you find a copy of WMSJ for yourself? Full story »

If you're a true sports nerd, then you can't help but love the month of June. Don't forget, I said "a true sports nerd." You know, someone who gets excited about competition at its highest level, regardless of the event's widespread acclaim or media attention. Someone who finds himself watching ESPN2 at 1:30 a.m. on a Friday and realizes... Full story »

Some people say that sportsmanship is dead, that it has gone the way of chivalry, the manual typewriter, and the Tyrannosaurus rex. Nonsense! A new era of fair play and decency dawned late last month in a college softball game played in the Pacific Northwest. Sports fans the world over were moved by the story of Sara Tucholsky, a... Full story »

(Story Originally appeared in June 2008 issue of the Western Mass Sports Journal) The UMass equestrian team is unlike many others at the school - an institution that fields most of its teams at the NCAA Division I level. Independent of the NCAA status, and operating under a different umbrella, the UMass riders have started to gather a serious head... Full story »

(Story Originally appeared in June 2008 issue of the Western Mass Sports Journal) For three straight years, Central High School's Hillary Higgs has dominated regional track events, attaining times that have put her at the apex of area rankings in both the 100 and 200 meters. The future Williams College runner has also competed in the summer Junior Olympics and... Full story »

(Story Originally appeared in June 2008 issue of the Western Mass Sports Journal) She doesn't have to worry about being an emotional leader. That's what the seniors are for. But if the Minnechaug Regional High School softball team is making plans for a ticker-tape parade following this month's Western Mass. tournament, junior Molly Cole will have to be the grand... Full story »

Want to have two years of the Western Mass Sports Journal delivered directly to your door? You're not the only one. Join the thousands of folks who have WMSJ brought right to their home each month at this amazing introductory price: Get 2 years (that's 20 issues!!) for only $20. Mail a check or money order (cash not accepted)... Full story »

(Story Originally appeared in June 2008 issue of the Western Mass Sports Journal) If you're looking for a program to jump on board with over the next few years, look no farther than the Agawam High School girls' lacrosse team. The Brownies reached the finals of last year's Western Mass. Division I tournament and continued that progress this season. Meanwhile,... Full story »

WMSJ Drop-off Locations If you know of an establishment that would like to carry the Western Mass Sports Journal: The Magazine, contact Publisher Tad Tokarz at (413) 478-3768. Directly mailed to thousands of households Distributed in more than 350 locations in 26 communities More than 40,000 readers enjoy the Western Mass Sports Journal monthly Some Notable WMSJ Drop-off Locations Big... Full story »

Welcome aboard the Sports Journal Express ... For those of you who aren't familiar with the Western Mass Sports Journal, here's what you're missing: a monthly full-sized sports magazine based right here in the Pioneer Valley, bringing you the feature stories about athletes in your community that you just can't read anywhere else. But it doesn't stop there; we also... Full story »

In this month's issue: Longmeadow Ballers Hit The Gridiron And the Books; Amherst Native Powers UMass Offensive Line; The Debut Of The MassLive/WMSJ Partnership; Greenfield Field Hockey Is At It Again; Westfield's Gallo Wields A Mighty Stick ... and so much more!!! Where can you find a copy of WMSJ near you? Full story »

Another year, another title chase for the Minnechaug girls' soccer program. This year's roster is certainly up to the challenge, and the Falcons are hoping to erase the memories of last season's post season disappointment. Full story »

Always a tough decision to decide which photos make the print issue. Especially because our photo team is the best in the Valley. Check out these bonus pics, ones that you won't find in the current issue of the Western Mass Sports Journal, on newsstands now. Full story »

Elena Delle Donne was supposed to be women's basketball's next big thing. She was headed to UConn, and many thought she could help redefine the women's game. Read why none of that hype means anything anymore. Full story »